[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 56 (Friday, April 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF 
 REPRESENTATIVES THAT VETERANS DESERVE THE HEALTH AND LIVING STANDARDS 
                         THEY FOUGHT TO PROTECT

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 17, 2015

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce a resolution 
expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that veterans 
deserve the health and living standards they fought to protect. This 
resolution pays tribute to the vast numbers of men and women who have 
served our nation in uniform, yet return home from service homeless, 
some of whom survive war to die on the streets of this country.
  Today, we are completing the two longest wars in U.S. history at 
great sacrifice to many soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines and their 
families. When these men and women return home they utilize their 
skills and leadership as wonderful assets in their communities. But for 
some, there are no homes.
  In the words of one homeless veteran, ``When we go into the military, 
we learn self-discipline, and we learn not to ask for anything, we 
learn to get it for ourselves, or just do without it. And we are a 
proud people, us military veterans. We don't ask for anything. But it 
should never be a society that allows their veterans to go across the 
water to protect this country and come back and have to live on the 
streets. It shouldn't be that way.''
  These courageous Americans have stood up in defense of our freedom, 
and we owe them more than our gratitude--we owe them our firm 
commitment to ensure that they receive the care and benefits they 
earned through their service.
  On any given night, nearly 50,000 military veterans sleep in homeless 
shelters or on the streets. Furthermore, approximately 260,000 veterans 
use homeless shelters or other services during the course of a year.
  Homeless veterans have become a focal point in the broader fight to 
prevent and end homelessness in America. We may all take pride and 
comfort in the recent finding that homelessness among veterans has 
begun to decrease. One of the biggest contributors to the decreased 
number of homeless veterans has been the increased federal investment 
in efficient and effective programs. In addition, there has been 
significant progress, but more must be done. It is time that we 
recognize these unsung heroes who have returned from service to face 
hard times and homelessness.
  Mr. Speaker, it is time that we recognize our nation's homeless 
veterans. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join 
me in supporting this critically important resolution.

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